Odour reduced by feeding less sulphur

A Dutch scientist says that reducing the level of
sulphur in pig feed reduces the smell of the animals'
manure.

Researcher Phung LeDinh, to be getting his PhD at the Animal Sciences Group
(ASG) at Wageningen University, the Netherlands at October 25th, also claims
that reducing the level of sulphur is possible without losing out on technical
results.

The research shows that by adapting the feed smells could be lowered by
80%. In addition, also ammonia emission could be reduced.

Proteins

Controlling the amount of sulphur is a matter of containing the amount of
proteins, the research shows, as sulphur is predominantly found in pig feed
proteins.

Some raw materials for pig feed are rich in sulphur, like peas or beans.
These are not used very well by the pig digestive system. In order to reduce the
smell, these components need to be added to the diet in the right, minimal
quantities.

Challenge

The challenge is to feed the pig sufficient levels of proteins to grow and
at the same time control the ammonia emission, associated with feeding proteins.
This can be done by reducing the raw protein level in the diet and by adding
limiting amino acids. Increasing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in the
feed also reduces ammonia emission.

However, measures to control the ammonia emission do not automatically
reduce the smell of the pig manure and adapting feed rations does not
necessarily have to lead to a lower FCR or a slower growth rate, ASG says.